Primperfect

Prim #3

by Deirdre Sullivan

No, don’t DO it! Prim’s alive (though the dashing Roderick is, alas, no more). She’s sixteen. She’s trying to make sense of her mum’s diaries. She is trying desperately to make Joel be friends with her again, but he’s all friends with Karen (aka the devil) now, and Prim’s found a boy called Robb-with-two-bees, and then there’s Steve the Goblin, and her dad’s getting together with you’ll-never-guess-who, and as for what’s going on with Ciara and Syzmon … Everything’s a little imperfect.

Desperately funny. Desperately touching.

The final instalment in the diaries of Primrose Leary.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary

280 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 2014

About the author

Deirdre Sullivan is a writer from Galway.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's over!!

Prim is gone on her way, and I can't believe that's it...

I love so much about these books, and my reading genre of choice is usually YA anyway, but there's something different about reading Prim's life as a PA (physical adult. Like Fintan said, sometimes you might seem old, but your still only a child inside) compared to other YA books.

These books shy away from NOTHING. Sex, drugs, rock and roll... Personally, I think I agree with Prim's opinion most of the time, but even if you don't, you can't deny how well thought out her reasonings are, and in this book she has learned how her actions have consequences. Things she says and does can hurt other people. I think she beats herself up too much about it, but she's such a good girl really...

I love the other characters too. Even the vile Karen. But Ella is my favourite. I think I need an Ella in my life.

My most favourite part is Prim sorting through her mental illness. Hardly the lightest of topics to take on, but Deirdre writes with so much emotion, eloquence and HUMOUR, HURRAY! that you actually get to see what it's like inside the mind of someone going through depression - without falling down with her.

I hate typing long reviews on my phone, so I'm stopping here, but I've literally just finished reading and I don't want to leave the headspace yet! :(

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many feels! I'm sad Prim is over now...but I suppose I can reread them all in a year or so.

Also, many questions - I want to know what happens next - with Fintan & Sorrel & Robb & Felix & - just everyone, really. Awesome ending, though.

There was a few parts that made me laugh out loud, others that made me wince in recognition...I'm just glad there weren't camera phones back when I went to teen parties, that's all I'm saying!

Then, as I was walking down Camden Street reading, I got to page 31 and I had to stop for a bit so I wouldn't get run over because I couldn't see where I was going because...well, my eyes were a bit blurry.

Funny and sad and smart and true - this is a great book and a brilliant ending to a truly wonderful series.

[E. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this outstanding conclusion to a series of great heart, wit and originality, Primrose’s mother comes into focus via diaries which Fintan (Primrose’s auld fella – a likable gom), in a show of uncharacteristic wisdom, has hitherto kept from his daughter. The diaries inform Prim’s travails as she wrestles with adolescent embarrassment and self-doubt; they also provide an affecting counterpoint.
Here is that rare book which manages to be funny even when treating serious themes with intelligence and sensitivity. So long, Leary!

[Rosamund Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the final installment of this series, Prim is 16, and reading the diaries her mother left her for the first time. Like the other two books, it captures the complexity of teen life, full of intense emotion and bittersweet promise. One of the strengths of the first two books was that they didn't tie up all loose ends, but left a lot of threads open to interpretation. I felt that Sullivan maybe pushed that a little too far in this book, especially as it's the conclusion. So little growth or change happened that it felt stagnant at times, which was disappointing. But overall, I enjoyed these stories a lot and was impressed by their humour and emotional resonance.

[Goraeyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how to give a review🤣 But this book is about a teenager..who thought about relationships, family, friendship...How important all of that is in our life...So, I had learned a lot from this book..and I LOVE ELLA HAHAHA

[KV · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoyed this story except the communication between Prim & Fintan which was funny.

[Mike Rymarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, quirky, different, fast-paced. Shame I read the last of the trilogy first

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my full review of the series click here!

Here's a snippet of my review:

"I recently finished reading the series and I have to say I was surprised at how thoroughly impressed I was. Upon first glance, I had thought these novels would be middle grade, light hearted sort of reads. I did not account for the range of difficult topics, character emotions and resonating story the books would hold.

Through out the series Deirdre Sullivan writes about deep issues that affect Prim, from grief and loss, to parental separation, friendship, growing up, love and mental health. Deirdre Sullivan writes all of these issues with such honesty and does not rose-tint or sugar coat any of the more difficult themes. This made the story of Prim feel so real and really allows for the reader to sympathise with Prim and her family.

If I could describe the series in a word it would be quirky! The novels are unique, with a host of unusual and fun characters..."

[Katie Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

There need to be more Prim books!!!!!